News for 'State for Environment and Forest'

On environment day, PM Modi shows the way it's done

On environment day, PM Modi shows the way it's done

Rediff.com5 Jun 2015

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday showed his green side as he celebrated World Environment Day by planting a sapling at his official 7, Race Course Road residence.

African cheetah gives birth to 5 cubs in Kuno; big cat count rises to 26

African cheetah gives birth to 5 cubs in Kuno; big cat count rises to 26

Rediff.com10 Mar 2024

This is the fourth cheetah litter on Indian soil and the first litter of cheetahs brought from South Africa, Yadav informed.

Ex-bureaucrats seek Green Credits scheme withdrawal

Ex-bureaucrats seek Green Credits scheme withdrawal

Rediff.com20 Mar 2024

A group of 91 retired bureaucrats has appealed to the Centre to withdraw the Green Credits programme, which they claimed may facilitate diversion of forest land to private entities. "Quick, smooth and easy diversion of our forest lands in favour of user agencies is apparently the sole intention of this set of Green Credits rules. "We urge the MOEFCC to recognise this danger and withdraw the Green Credits notification expeditiously," the group of former civil servants wrote in an open letter to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).

Forests will rescue India, says Jairam Ramesh

Forests will rescue India, says Jairam Ramesh

Rediff.com11 Aug 2009

Before the crucial United Nations conference on climate change in Copenhagen during December 2009, India is strengthening its argument to avoid any rigorous capping on its carbon emissions. Here, Minister of State Environment and Forests Jairam Ramesh explains how forest cover of India will help.

India Must Only Agree To A Deal If It Is A Win-Win

India Must Only Agree To A Deal If It Is A Win-Win

Rediff.com27 Aug 2025

To those who ask, "Is all this really worth it? Why can't domestic demand fill the gap?", it is important to remind them that only 13 economies since the Second World War have grown at 7 per cent or more for 25 years -- like India needs to. They all had one thing in common: Strong export growth underpinned by strong global engagement, explains Sajjid Z Chinoy.

'I've No Desire To Be Prime Minister'

'I've No Desire To Be Prime Minister'

Rediff.com4 Jul 2025

'I am not an aspiration-oriented politician.' 'This is the time to redefine politics.' 'Politics of power is not real politics.'

'Uttarakhand forest fires to be doused in 2 days'

'Uttarakhand forest fires to be doused in 2 days'

Rediff.com3 May 2016

Thousands of firemen, NDRF and IAF personnel along with forest officials are working together to douse the flames.

'Declare Vizhinjam Shipwreck A National Disaster'

'Declare Vizhinjam Shipwreck A National Disaster'

Rediff.com6 Jun 2025

'It concerns the sea and the security of the nation. What has happened is a big tragedy.'

16 held for illegal slaughter of cattle in Assam during Eid: Himanta

16 held for illegal slaughter of cattle in Assam during Eid: Himanta

Rediff.com8 Jun 2025

People from the Hindu community blocked roads in Hojai during the day, alleging that some pieces of meat were thrown by miscreants on Saturday night, and while Muslims also held another roadblock and the police had to use batons to disperse protesters, a senior officer said.

'The Problem With Quick Fixes Is...'

'The Problem With Quick Fixes Is...'

Rediff.com8 Aug 2025

'...they always address problems superficially, never tackling root causes.' 'Currently, the policy response will focus on immediate relief -- getting people to safety, providing facilities, clearing debris.' 'This is necessary, but once immediate relief operations end, everything returns to 'normal' without addressing underlying vulnerabilities.'

Purr-fect news from Kuno, Namibian cheetah delivers 3 cubs

Purr-fect news from Kuno, Namibian cheetah delivers 3 cubs

Rediff.com3 Jan 2024

A Namibian cheetah has given birth to three cubs at the Kuno National Park (KNP) in Madhya Pradesh's Sheopur district, a Union minister said on Wednesday.

Govt eases environment rules to push investments

Govt eases environment rules to push investments

Rediff.com7 Aug 2014

Rules for mining, roads, power and irrigation projects relaxed.

Environment Minister Anil Dave passes away

Environment Minister Anil Dave passes away

Rediff.com18 May 2017

Dave complained of uneasiness at his home on Thursday morning and was rushed to AIIMS.

Assam to use 1950 Act for direct eviction of illegal foreigners: Sarma

Assam to use 1950 Act for direct eviction of illegal foreigners: Sarma

Rediff.com9 Jun 2025

The final NRC, a list of Indian citizens residing in Assam, was released in 2019 by excluding 19,06,657 people. However, it has not been notified by the Registrar General of India, leaving the controversial document without any official validity.

Steel recycle mandate for automakers on the anvil

Steel recycle mandate for automakers on the anvil

Rediff.com11 Sep 2024

The environment ministry is likely to soon issue regulations that will mandate automakers to recycle a specified percentage of steel from old vehicles, starting from the next financial year, according to people familiar with the matter. "We recently held a meeting with members of the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (Siam). "The final regulations are likely to be issued in the next 10 days," a government source informed.

Maoists call for peace talks as search op in Chhattisgarh enters Day 5

Maoists call for peace talks as search op in Chhattisgarh enters Day 5

Rediff.com25 Apr 2025

A massive anti-Naxal operation involving around 10,000 security personnel along the Chhattisgarh-Telangana border entered its fifth day on Friday, with the Maoists reportedly issuing a statement calling for a halt to the exercise and initiating "peace talks." The statement, circulating on social media, claims that the government is resorting to repression and violence despite the possibility of resolving the issue through dialogue. The operation, considered one of the largest counter-insurgency actions in the Bastar region, involves personnel from various units including the Chhattisgarh police, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and its elite CoBRA unit. The operation, launched on Monday in the densely forested hills of Karregutta and Durgamgutta along the inter-state border, is aimed at targeting PLGA battalion No. 1, the strongest military formation of the Maoists.

Why the future of environment looks so bleak

Why the future of environment looks so bleak

Rediff.com28 May 2015

Prakash Javadekar's one year as India's minister of state (independent charge) of environment, forests and climate change has been an unmitigated disaster, says activist Himanshu Thakkar.

Yet another African cheetah dies in Kuno, 10th death so far; cause unclear

Yet another African cheetah dies in Kuno, 10th death so far; cause unclear

Rediff.com16 Jan 2024

Shaurya was found not walking properly by the tracking team around 11 am after which the wild animal was tranquilised and efforts were made to revive the feline, but they failed, said the statement.

In I-Day address, PM announces plans for environment

In I-Day address, PM announces plans for environment

Rediff.com15 Aug 2020

Addressing the nation on Independence Day, the prime minister also spoke on renewable energy and the need to maintain a balance between development and the environment. Referring to the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), launched in January 2019, Modi said, "A special campaign is being worked out to reduce pollution in 100 selected cities with a holistic approach."

Why are tigers in Maharashtra dying?

Why are tigers in Maharashtra dying?

Rediff.com18 Mar 2025

'The true measure of Project Tiger's success is not just rising tiger numbers, but our ability to ensure harmonious human-wildlife coexistence'

'Corruption Is No Longer A Bad Word'

'Corruption Is No Longer A Bad Word'

Rediff.com5 Aug 2025

'When India opened its doors to the world, moving away from an agrarian to a market economy, everything, whether life or love, was commodified.'

Green ministry backtracks on forest clearances after NGT orders

Green ministry backtracks on forest clearances after NGT orders

Rediff.com24 May 2015

According to new ministry guidelines, the permission to chop down forests will be given only after all the compensatory levies are provided

What AAP, BJP, Cong Overlook in Delhi Polls

What AAP, BJP, Cong Overlook in Delhi Polls

Rediff.com5 Feb 2025

Delhi's crime rate against women stood at 144.4 in 2022 -- the highest among all states and Union Territories.

Bhutan: The Last Shangri-La

Bhutan: The Last Shangri-La

Rediff.com12 Jun 2025

The visitor returns not just with the jewel-like beauty of the country imprinted on the mind, the body rejuvenated by hot stone massages, but also with the captivating stories and myths that are built into every important structure -- whether a tourist magnet or an off-the-beaten track spot.

India's first Buddhist CJI ruled against 'bulldozer justice'

India's first Buddhist CJI ruled against 'bulldozer justice'

Rediff.com14 May 2025

Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai, India's 52nd chief justice and its first Buddhist one, has played a key role in shaping the judicial landscape, penning about 300 verdicts, including landmark rulings on constitutional issues, liberty, and perhaps most important against the executive's 'bulldozer justice'.

Aarey row: What makes a forest?

Aarey row: What makes a forest?

Rediff.com10 Oct 2019

India has long struggled to find a suitable definition; activists hope that this case changes norms, reports Geetika Srivastava.

Full list: Modi's New Ministers And Their Portfolios

Full list: Modi's New Ministers And Their Portfolios

Rediff.com10 Jun 2024

Here is the complete list of ministers in Modi 3.0 and their portfolios:

'We have no option but to strike back'

'We have no option but to strike back'

Rediff.com23 Apr 2025

'If they aim to remain aligned with the public sentiment, as any democratic government should, then they must respond. Why else would the prime minister have cut short his visit to Saudi Arabia? And why would he have instructed the home minister himself to travel to Srinagar to assess the situation firsthand? This suggests that something is indeed being planned. I am quite certain of that, although the exact form it will take remains to be seen.'

Delhi govt must take blame for nod to fell 422 trees: SC

Delhi govt must take blame for nod to fell 422 trees: SC

Rediff.com17 Jul 2024

The Delhi government must come before the court and tell "how it will compensate for the damage caused to the environment due to its illegal acts", the bench said.

Tribals launch protests against eviction from 54 tiger reserves

Tribals launch protests against eviction from 54 tiger reserves

Rediff.com29 Sep 2024

The tribal communities, asserting their rights under the Forest Rights Act, are now planning to gather in Delhi to demand "justice" for their livelihoods and traditions that are closely linked to the forests.

After 6 years, CBI closes graft case against ex-minister Jayanthi Natarajan

After 6 years, CBI closes graft case against ex-minister Jayanthi Natarajan

Rediff.com28 Nov 2023

After six years of probe, the Central Bureau of Investigation filed the closure report before a special court last week as it could not find enough evidence in the case to proceed with prosecution, the officials said.

Udhayanidhi Stalin elevated as TN deputy CM, Balaji back as minister

Udhayanidhi Stalin elevated as TN deputy CM, Balaji back as minister

Rediff.com29 Sep 2024

Amid a growing chorus in the party for his elevation, Tamil Nadu sports minister and son of Chief Minister M K Stalin, Udhayanidhi, was elevated as the deputy CM on Saturday with additional responsibility, in a cabinet reshuffle that saw the return of V Senthil Balaji to the council of ministers two days after securing bail in a money laundering case.

600-acre Aarey land near national park earmarked as forest

600-acre Aarey land near national park earmarked as forest

Rediff.com2 Sep 2020

The decision was taken during a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, who said, the forest would be the first example of a "huge jungle" being conserved at the centre of a megapolis, an official statement said.

Gas chamber: Delhi chokes at 'alarming' AQI of 428

Gas chamber: Delhi chokes at 'alarming' AQI of 428

Rediff.com14 Nov 2024

'The pollution has increased. We are facing breathing problems and irritation in the eyes'

Maha portfolio allocation: Fadnavis gets Home, Ajit Finance, Shinde...

Maha portfolio allocation: Fadnavis gets Home, Ajit Finance, Shinde...

Rediff.com21 Dec 2024

Shiv Sena's Dadaji Bhuse is the new school education minister while Uday Samant continues to be the industries minister.

Next round of G20 meetings in Gujarat from March 27

Next round of G20 meetings in Gujarat from March 27

Rediff.com22 Mar 2023

Gujarat will host the next round of G20 meetings from March 27 to April 4, during which three conclaves will be held in the state on a range of issues, where delegates from different countries will converge for participation, an official said.

Rajnath reviews forest fire situation in Uttarakhand

Rajnath reviews forest fire situation in Uttarakhand

Rediff.com1 May 2016

The home minister held discussions with chief secretary and other state officials on the situation arising due to the forest fire and offered all assistance from the Centre.

Delhi cabinet okays Ayushman scheme, to table CAG reports

Delhi cabinet okays Ayushman scheme, to table CAG reports

Rediff.com21 Feb 2025

The newly-formed Delhi Cabinet in its first meeting approved the implementation of the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme in the national capital. The cabinet also decided to present 14 pending CAG reports in the first session of the assembly. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said that the previous AAP government did not allow the health scheme in the city, preventing the people from availing its benefits.

'It is very easy to destroy the environment'

'It is very easy to destroy the environment'

Rediff.com4 Jan 2022

'But extremely difficult, expensive and time consuming to rebuild it.'

Opposition misleading people on issue of tribal, forest land: PM

Opposition misleading people on issue of tribal, forest land: PM

Rediff.com6 Apr 2015

He said that such a campaign will hurt the interests of the country.